New Inter signing Borja Valero admits he’d “never have left” Fiorentina but “the situation became unbearable”.
The Spanish midfielder officially completed his move to the Nerazzurri this week, having complained that he was forced out by the Viola – something the club denies.
“It’s important after these months of problems with Fiorentina and with the new sporting director [Pantaleo Corvino] that I had a change,” Valero said in his presentation Press conference.
New Inter signing Borja Valero admits he’d “never have left” Fiorentina but “the situation became unbearable”.
The Spanish midfielder officially completed his move to the Nerazzurri this week, having complained that he was forced out by the Viola – something the club denies.
“It’s important after these months of problems with Fiorentina and with the new sporting director [Pantaleo Corvino] that I had a change,” Valero said in his presentation Press conference.
“I’d like to be honest, I’d never have left Florence but after these problems the situation became unbearable.
“Inter is the new adventure that I wanted and I’m here to do my best.
“My problems with Fiorentina are linked to the new sporting directorship, we didn’t see things in the same way.
“I don’t think I was as important to them as Florence has always been to me. We couldn’t go on like that, you also have to think about yourself.
“What’s happening there? I don’t know, I can only talk about my personal situation. Fiorentina will always be Fiorentina for me.
“The reception when I go back? I think I gave everything in those five years, but I will respect everyone’s opinion as I always have.
“As for Davide Astori’s words, he should stick to talking about what he knows. I don’t think he knows anything in this instance.
“I could have stayed in Florence for the other two years on my contract, but the situation was unsustainable, the feeling was lacking.”
The Beneamata have been linked with Valero in the past, as have Roma.
“I talked to [Stefano] Pioli, but never Inter. I don’t know if there was interest from Roma, but at the time I was happy with Fiorentina and I had no problems with anyone.
“I’d have said no.”
The 32-year-old did also discuss his new club, and their aims for the season.
“I think it’s a competitive squad,” Valero assured.
“There are very strong players and now it’s up to the Coach [Luciano Spalletti] to bring the team together to win.
“It’s important for me that he’s here, he’s proven to be very good. I hope to be useful on and off the pitch, I have a lot of experience – also abroad – and I think I can help the youngsters too.
“I can play anywhere across the middle, further up or deeper. I like playing football and I want to take advantage of these years.
“I don’t want to set targets, we’re just at the start so we have to see what we can do in the future.”